AN AUTISTIC teenager from Merstham has used his experience of living with the condition to teach others and speak up for those with learning disabilities.

Simon Tobin, who lives at Care Management Group's (CMG) supported living service, Hillview, has set up a website and delivers presentations to increase understanding of autism.

The 19-year-old set up www.me-and-my-autism.com to inform people about the obstacles faced by sufferers and to help people see past the condition.

He has also started running training sessions with local schools and colleges, the police and doctors from The Royal Society of Medicine.

His presentations include sharing his own experiences of what it is like to live with autism, what frustrations he faces each day and how he copes with the condition.

Mr Tobin said: “There is a lack of understanding amongst the general public about autism, and I hope that my training sessions will help to improve this.

"As well as medical professionals, we need to promote awareness of the condition amongst young people – it’s been great to have the opportunity to go into schools and colleges to speak to pupils.

“The first time I gave a presentation I was the most nervous I’ve ever been. But once I got started I could really feel my confidence grow.

"The most rewarding thing about giving my presentations is the knowledge that an autistic person somewhere is going to benefit from what I do.”

More than half a million people in the UK are autistic, according to CMG, a specialist service provider which supports people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

CMG Hillview manager David Condon said Mr Tobin's presentations were "absolutely astounding", adding: "He has a fantastic ability to speak to anyone and everyone and it’s a testament to his energy and drive that he identified the problem of a lack of public understanding of autism, and decided to do something about it.

"He uses his experiences to give his audience a real personal insight into living with autism.”